Cody back as Cats boss for 16th year

Brian Cody will take charge of Kilkenny for a 16th season in 2014 but will do so without long-term selector Martin Fogarty.

The Erins Own man, who along with Mick Dempsey has assisted Cody since November 2004 and together have led the county to six All-Ireland titles, informed the county board he does not wish to continue in the position next year.

Former Kilkenny goalkeeper James McGarry and midfielder Derek Lyng come into the management team with Laois native Dempsey retaining his role as coach and selector.

At a board meeting in Nowlan Park last night, chairman Ned Quinn praised Fogarty for his service to the county.

Fogarty and Dempsey took charge of the team earlier this year when Cody underwent heart surgery.

There had been suggestions the manager’s health might convince him to step away from the position.

However, sources in Kilkenny were adamant Cody, 60 next year, would remain on after Kilkenny failed to reach the All-Ireland semi-finals for the first time during his term in charge. Usually, Cody doesn’t confirm his wish to stay on at the helm until November. However, it’s obvious he’s keen to hit the ground running for the 2014 season.

Both McGarry (41) and Lyng (35) won six All-Ireland titles under Cody They are his sixth and seventh selectors since he was first appointed in 1998. McGarry has been heavily involved in coaching since retiring in 2008, taking joint charge of Ballyhale Shamrocks and helping to guide them to an All-Ireland title in 2010.

Lyng, along with several former team-mates such as Martin Comerford and Michael Kavanagh, has beeninvolved in coaching development teams in the county.

Fogarty was Kilkenny U21 manager before joining the senior regime, bringing them to All-Ireland titles in 2003 and‘04.

He is already being linked with the vacant Waterford senior manager’s position but it’s unlikely he will put his name in the hat.

Attention will now turn to Henry Shefflin and whether he elects to continue his brilliant relationship with Cody.

Indications are last year’s hurler of the year, 35 next January, will continue for another season with Tommy Walsh and Jackie Tyrrell confirming in recent days they will be available next year.

Meanwhile, Colm Collins, father of Clare hurler Podge, looks set to be appointed as Mick O’Dwyer’s successor as the Banner’s senior football boss. Collins is a former Clare U21 boss.

* Paul Bealin was last night appointed as Westmeath manager, voted in by 35 votes to five.

The former Dublin midfielder, who succeeds Pat Flanagan, previously managed Wexford and Carlow.